The word "entrees" is a sometimes tricky word to spell. It refers to the main course in a meal, typically served after the appetizers. The pronunciation of "entrees" is /ˈɑntreɪ/ in American English, and /ɒnˈtreɪ/ in British English. The spelling of "entrees" can be confusing because the French word for "entry" is spelled the same way. However, the spelling of "entrees" with double "e" is saved for culinary usage, and is pronounced with a long "a" sound, while the French word is pronounced with a short "e" sound.
An entrée, in culinary terms, refers to the main course or the first course of a meal. The word "entrée" originates from the French language, where it translates to "entrance" or "to enter." In the context of a menu, an entrée is typically a substantial dish that follows the appetizer and precedes the dessert.
The exact definition of an entrée can often vary depending on cultural and regional differences. In North America, for instance, an entrée generally denotes the main course of a meal, typically consisting of a protein source such as meat, fish, or poultry, accompanied by various side dishes like vegetables, rice, or potatoes. The entrée is usually the focal point of the meal and is intended to satisfy hunger.
However, in European and other international culinary traditions, an entrée refers to the first course of a meal, known in English as an appetizer. It comprises lighter dishes served before the main course to awaken the appetite and prepare diners for the upcoming flavors. These entrées can feature items like soups, salads, or small savory dishes, often served in smaller portions compared to the main course.
In summary, the meaning of "entrée" can differ depending on the dining context. It may refer to the main course itself in North America or the starter course in European and international cuisine.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "entree" originated from the French language. It is derived from the Old French term "entree" which meant "entrance" or "introduction". In the context of a meal, the word was used to refer to the course that was served at the beginning of a formal meal, coming after the soup and preceding the main course. Over time, the meaning of "entree" expanded to include any substantial dish served as a part of a meal, whether at the beginning or otherwise. In American English, "entree" refers to the main course of a meal, while in British English, it typically denotes a starter or appetizer.